Former Liverpool Predator Fernando Torres Retires

Fernando Torres has announced that he will retire as a professional footballer. The 35-year-old player plays for five clubs – Atletico Madrid, Liverpool, Chelsea, AC Milan and Sagan Tosu – in his 18-year career, with Torres gaining legendary status at Atletico. Torres, at Atletico, gained legendary status at the club because not only was he a player who came through the youth system but he helped guide them back to LaLiga Santander, following their relegation to the Segunda Division.

Torres played an integral role in Spain’s golden era, helping them become European champions and win the World Cup. Torres made his debut in Spain in 2003 and scored the winning goal in the 2008 European Championship final against Germany before helping his country win their first World Cup in 2010.

He was the top scorer at Euro 2012 when Spain successfully defended their title and scored 38 goals in 110 appearances for his country in total, making him the third highest goalscorer in Spain behind David Villa (59) and Raul (44).

In his club career, Torres has scored 260 goals in 765 appearances with his most productive duties at Atletico Madrid and Liverpool. Torres, in two phases, played 394 matches for Atletico Madrid and scored 128 goals. At Liverpool, Torres spent four seasons scoring 81 goals in 142 appearances. He represented Chelsea in 172 matches, finding the back of the net 45 times.

After 18 exciting years, the time has come to end my soccer career. Next week, 23:00 at 10:00 am, local time in Japan, I will hold a press conference in Tokyo to explain all the details. See you later.